Stirchley Newshttp://stirchleynews.co.ukBBC Weather London forecast: Rush hour Travel CHAOS as city faces EVEN MORE snow

Snowstorm Emma is currently battering Britain with strong winds and snow causing more chaos for motorists and commuters.

London commuters are expected to face another day of chaos as train services into the capital are widely delayed or cancelled.

London is currently experiencing severe disruption, with the Overground partly suspended or suffering severe delays due to "damage caused to trains by snow and ice" between Surrey Quays and New Cross/Clapham Junction/Crystal Palace/West Croydon.

Virgin Trains reported issues running services between England and Scotland due to the current weather. Southern has advised commuters to travel as early as they can because "severe weather may impact services."

Greater Anglia wrote on Twitter: "TODAY ONLY customers can travel on earlier/alternative services than booked due to amended timetable."

BBC Weather meteorologist Phil Avery warned commuters should expect further disruption during rush hour as a new band of snow makes its way across the southern parts of Britain.

BBC•GETTYBBC Weather Forecast: Commuters should prepare for more incoming snow

TheBBCWeather forecaster said: "This is the way that we are shaping up in regards to this snowfall: widely we are expecting the possibility of between about one and five cm but over the hills in the west, particularly into the Welsh mountains.

"We could be looking at another ten to 15cm. Through the evening rush hour and overnight so that belt of weather gradually eases its way a little bit further north, tending to fade away as it so does."

Britons have been warned to avoid all but essential travel as vulnerable and elderly people are told to stay indoors.

Mr Avery continued: "We’re not out of the weather woods just yet because that low pressure is throwing yet another belt of snow slowly but surely up and across the southern half of the British isle through the rest of the afternoon and as you’ll see on into the evening.

"Further north away from that particular feature, we still have the cold eastern and south-easterly wind, still a peppering of snow showers across the northern and eastern parts of Scotland and the north-east of England.

"Wherever you are spending the rest of the day, it will feel pretty cold."

He said: “Further snow showers or perhaps longer spells of snow are likely at times through Friday.

“There is an increasing chance that a further spell of more persistent snow may move north into parts of southern England, Wales and central England during the day.

“Icy stretches are likely on untreated surfaces. Delays and cancellations to public transport are possible, as are delays to travel on roads; some stranding of vehicles and passengers could also occur.

Emma hit the southwest last night with the rest of southern England in the firing line through this morning.

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]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/bbc-weather-london-forecast-rush-hour-travel-chaos-as-city-faces-even-more-snowhttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/bbc-weather-london-forecast-rush-hour-travel-chaos-as-city-faces-even-more-snowadmin@mail.com(Super Admin)Italian election 2018: What will Italy general election mean for Eurozone and euro?

The economy is likely to be the biggest influencer over Sunday’s Italian Election 2018, with Silvio Berlusconi back in the spotlight as he leads the centre-right coalition in battle against the Five Star Movement’s Luigi Di Maio and the Democratic Party’s (PD) Matteo Renzi.

Italian public debt has risen from an already high 100 percent of GDP at the end of 2007 to more than 130 percent, with only Greece facing a more dire economic situation in Europe.

And bad loans from businesses hurt by the ailing economy have built up in the banking system after companies were unable to service them - making the pile of non-performing loans the biggest of any country in Europe.

The bad loan stack is now so vast it amount to almost a quarter of the total in the EU.

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What will Italy general election mean for Eurozone and euro?

The most likely scenario after the elections on Sunday is that no single party will reach a majority.

Foreign Exchange analysts predict if either Five Star Movement (M5S) or Lega are involved in forming a government, confidence could plummet and the Euro could fall as low as £0.87p ($1.20).

However, many of Italy’s problems concern its stuttering economy and therefore the markets are now looking across at larger political rumblings with greater interest.

Mr Ingram said: “Until very recently it appeared markets had become totally desensitised to political risk.

“From Brexit through to the Trump Presidency, markets have tended to shrug off unexpected and potentially disruptive political developments, if not actively spin them positively.”

The expert adds Italy started to reverse its chronic underperformance versus the rest of Europe when then-prime minister Matteo Renzi resigned after failing to enact constitutional reform.

Italian election 2018: The political parties and coalitions in the race

Wed, February 28, 2018

The 2018 Italian general election is due to be held on 4 March 2018

Getty Images

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Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italy party is pro-European, but demands a greater role in the EU for Italy

However, former European economics editor of The Economist Paul Wallace says the “Italian political risk is overhyped”

He said: “The risks posed by politics in Italy are usually exaggerated. The governing class is adept at extricating the Italian state from tight spots.

"Sunday’s vote is more likely to result in political paralysis arising from a hung parliament than either a disruptive new government or a further resort to the technocrats.“

"A parliamentary stalemate would be undesirable but it should be manageable. The political horror story will turn out to be just that: a story.”

But, he added: “If there is too much angst about Italian politics, there is too little about the economy”.

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]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/italian-election-2018-what-will-italy-general-election-mean-for-eurozone-and-eurohttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/italian-election-2018-what-will-italy-general-election-mean-for-eurozone-and-euroadmin@mail.com(Super Admin)Snow storm Emma sparks devastating floods as towns left under FOOT of water

Firefighters from Penzance were called out in the early hours of this morning to help pump water from flooded properties in the fishing village of Porthallow.

Dawlish railway station near Teignmouth in South Devon has been engulfed by hides tides whipped up by Storm Emma and there has also been flooding in seafront areas of Paignton and Torquay which residents said were “under a foot of water”.

Flood warnings have been issued for the whole of south Cornwall coast from Land's End to Lizard Point and Mount's Bay and remain in force.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said it received around 50 calls throughout the night about flooding and frozen pipes.

TWITTERFirefighters in action in flood-hit Porthallow

Flood warnings are in place for the following places:

Christchurch Harbour Side

North Bank of the Humber Estuary in the west of Hull

North Sea at Roker, Sunderland

North Sea at Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and Tynemouth

South Cornwall Coast At Mounts Bay, seafront properties

South Cornwall Coast from Lands End to Lizard Point excluding Mounts Bay

South Devon Coast low-lying areas of the Dart Estuary

Swanage Bay

Tyne Estuary at North Shields, South Shields and Howdon Pans

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Powerful waves batter the seafront at Torquay

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There is significant flooding due to high river levels, large seas and high winds

Penzance Community Fire Station

Penzance Community Fire Station tweeted: "Specialist Water Rescue crews from Penzance are in attendance at Porthallow.

"There is significant flooding due to high river levels, large seas and high winds.”

A spokesman for Cornwall Council said: "Fire and rescue crews, highways staff and police are currently dealing with reports of flooding in the Lizard area, caused by a combination of high tide, strong winds and run-off from melting snow.

"The worst affected area is in Porthallow where five properties have been flooded.”

“The fire and rescue service received around 50 calls overnight - mostly to do with flooding and frozen pipes".

TWITTER

Floods in Paignton, Devon

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "Flooding is expected for seafront properties in Mount's Bay over the high tide on Friday morning.

"Severe Gale force 9 easterly winds and offshore wave heights of up to 6m are forecast to cause flooding to properties in the Mount's Bay area up to three hours either side of high tide.

"Expect tides to be around 400mm higher than predicted due to weather conditions.

"Large waves and spray are likely so take care near coastal paths and promenades. This may cause localised standing water. Do not drive through flood water or waves.

"The current cold weather conditions are also likely to increase hazardous conditions along the coast.

"Further flood warnings are possible over the weekend. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will issue updates if the situation changes.”

PA

Dawlish train station has been flooded

The Environment Agency issued six flood warnings across Britain, with immediate action required by residents to protect their property and stay safe.

The North Bank of the Humber Estuary, parts of the south Cornwall coast, Swanage Bay and the Tyne Estuary and North Sea areas were all highlighted as at risk.

However the red alert for the south west - the second in 24 hours - is set to be lifted.

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]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/snow-storm-emma-sparks-devastating-floods-as-towns-left-under-foot-of-waterhttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/snow-storm-emma-sparks-devastating-floods-as-towns-left-under-foot-of-wateradmin@mail.com(Super Admin)Switzerland BOMB THREAT: Bern train station cordoned off as police search nearby churchSuspicious items have been discovered inside the Church of the Holy Spirit which is located just outside the train station main entrance, according to local media.

Police have arrested one person and warned the cordon is expected to remain in place for some time.

The station can still be accessed from alternative entrances and train service are still running.

Bern police tweeted: “We are currently on mission close to the Heiliggeistkirche in #Berne because of a bomb threat.

“We have arrested a person and are clarifying the situation.

“For security reasons the area around the #Heiliggeistkirche will be closed at large scale until further notice.”

Staff in nearby offices have been evacuated and there is a large presence of heavily armed police officers at the scene.

Andrea Roventini, who is standing for the anti-establishment 5Star Movement, has been named as a potential finance minister by party leader Luigi di Maio.

The economics professor from the Sant'Anna University of Pisa said a policy of encouraging public investment would be much more successful in dragging Italy out of the financial doldrums where it has languished since for the last decade after a series of setbacks.

He said: “Austerity doesn’t work. It's disastrous and self-destructive. Just look at Greece and Finland".

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GETTY

Centre-right coalition partners Silvio Berlusconi and Matteo Salvini

Austerity doesn’t work. It's disastrous and self-destructive. Just look at Greece and Finland

He said: ”It's a fake tax, a bizarre idea that would only create public debt and benefits to one percent of the population".

Mr Roventini also ruled out a departure from the euro which the 5Star Movement had previously considered as adopting as a policy.

He said: "The exit from the euro is not in question.”

REUTERS

Andrea Roventini has ruled out austerity and leaving the euro

Italians got to the polls on Sunday with opinion polls pointing to a hung parliament, which is why the main parties have formed coalition alliances ahead of the vote.

Mr Berlusconi’s centre-right party Forza Italia is currently in a pre-election coalition with the Northern League and the post-fascist Brothers of Italy (FDI).

This coalition has the best chance of forming a government with the Index poll suggesting the group could take 295 seats while another former Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, is clinging on to slim odds of beating his rivals.

Italian election 2018: The political parties and coalitions in the race

Wed, February 28, 2018

The 2018 Italian general election is due to be held on 4 March 2018

Getty Images

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Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italy party is pro-European, but demands a greater role in the EU for Italy

FDI leader Giorgia Meloni said: "It's good for Italians to know that on 4 March either the centre-right wins or there will be chaos.

“None of the other forces in the field will reach a majority, so there are only three possible scenarios: either a centre-right victory or a messy government or returning to vote.

“I hope Italians in these last hours give us the point we need to have the majority.

“Our party did not participate in this game of ‘establishing differences with allies’.

“We participated in the game of 'establishing differences with opponents' because I am not interested in overtaking Berlusconi or Salvini. I'm interested in overtaking Renzi and Di Maio.”

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]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/potential-italian-finance-minster-rules-out-austerity-and-leaving-the-eurohttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/potential-italian-finance-minster-rules-out-austerity-and-leaving-the-euroadmin@mail.com(Super Admin)Central Michigan University shooting TWO DEAD - ALL schools in city on lockdown

Shots are thought to have been fired on the fourth floor of the college building, with the university’s police department saying they had received a call about what sounded like gunfire.

Students have been told to "hide and stay alert" by the university, as the shooter is still at large.

City of Mount Pleasant police described the suspect as "a black male and considered armed and dangerous".

Police told locals to stay clear of the area, issuing an alert call to students and staff just after 9am local time (2pm GMT).

Schools across the Mount Pleasant area have been put on lockdown as a precaution, police said.

CMLIFECentral Michigan University shooting: All Mount Pleasant schools on lockdown

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No injuries have been confirmed as yet, although students reported they believed two people had been shot.

The suspect has reportedly fled to nearby train tracks. A police helicopter is flying overhead to search for the shooter.

Students described police swooping on the campus.

One tweeted: “Just saw 8 cop cars drive by me on campus. Got a call 1 minute later saying there was a shooting on CMU campus. Crazy world.”

TWITTER

Central Michigan University confirmed the shooting on Twitter

Another wrote: “I’m on CMU’s campus at work right now and just got a call that there was shots fired in the towers and they haven’t said anything about having the suspect in custody or anyone being hurt just that there was gunfire and I’m pretty terrified!!!”

A voice blared over tannoys saying the suspect was "still at large" and students should "shelter where they are".

Central Michigan University said on Twitter: "There has been a report of shots fired at Campbell Hall on campus. Suspect is still at large, police advise all to take shelter. If you see something suspicious, call 911."

Campbell Hall is understood to be a mixed-sex dormitory on the West Campus.

Central Michigan University told students to hide in their rooms as the shooter is still at large

The university’s school of humanities and behavioural sciences tweeted: “Please avoid Campbell Hall until we hear more information. We received an emergency alert of shots fired in Campbell Hall.”

Sherry Knight, associate Vice President with University Communications said the university advice to students was to stay where they are and stay in their dorm rooms or campus buildings.

Classes have been cancelled.

A student said she woke up to the shooting, tweeting: "If you’re on the CMU campus please stay inside! Stay safe everyone. This is terrifying to wake up to."

Connor Byrne who said: “Reports of Shots fired at Campbell hall, subject is a male last seen with mustard colored jeans and a blue hoodie, pistol potentially in waistband. He is not in custody and on foot north of Campbell hall. Do not move from where you are.”

The latest shooting comes just two weeks after 17 children were shot dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Killer Nikolas Cruz, 19, sprayed automatic fire around the campus of his school sparking fury across America.

CMU

Central Michigan University

Fierce debate ensued between the pro-gun and anti-gun lobbies – with President Trump suggesting there would be no changes to firearms legislation except that he recommended arming school teachers.

Today students demanded a change to gun laws as the incident became the ninth school shooting this year.

Twitter user called Sammy tweeted: “This is our HOME and our SCHOOL. We need change. #prayforcmu”.

THIS IS A BREAKING STORY. MORE TO FOLLOW.

]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/central-michigan-university-shooting-two-dead-all-schools-in-city-on-lockdownhttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/central-michigan-university-shooting-two-dead-all-schools-in-city-on-lockdownadmin@mail.com(Super Admin)Italian election 2018: Who is Antonio Tajani? Will he be next Italy prime minister?

GETTYItalian election 2018: Berlusconi named Antonio Tajani as his candidate for PM

Barred from holding office himself over a tax conviction, 81-year-old Mr Berlusconi announced Mr Tajani was his preferred candidate for PM in the Italian election 2018 this week.

Yesterday, Mr Tajani tweeted his thanks for the ex-Italian leader’s “gesture of respect’ adding: “I told him that I was willing to serve Italy."

Silvio Berlusconi welcomed Tajani's announcement shortly after an appearance on a talk show on one of the media magnate's own TV channels.

He said: "I know it's a shame to take Antonio Tajani away from Europe, but it's in the best interest of Italy.”

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Who is Antonio Tajani?

Antonio Tajani was born in Rome in August 1953.

He earned a law degree at the Sapienza University of Rome and served as an officer in the Italian Air Force, later becoming a radar controller at the radar base of San Giovanni Teatino.

A former journalist with Italy's Rai television and Il Giornale newspaper, he speaks French, English and Spanish besides Italian.

Mr Tajani was elected to the European Parliament in 1994 and has spent much of his political career in Brussels.

AFP

Italian election 2018: Antonio Tajani has been a loyal friend to Berlusconi

EPA

Italian election 2018: Antonio Tajani was elected to the European Parliament in 1994

I know it's a shame to take Antonio Tajani away from Europe, but it's in the best interest of Italy.

Silvio Berlusconi, Forza Italia leader

He also served as EU transport commissioner in 2008-10 and then as industry commissioner in 2010-14

He became president of the EU assembly in January 2017 when Martin Schulz left the job to return to national German politics.

His pro-European credentials mean he will not be welcomed with open arms by either of his coalition partners, which are both eurosceptic.

But Mr Tajani, 64, has been one of Mr Berlusconi's most loyal lieutenants.

Italian election 2018: The political parties and coalitions in the race

Wed, February 28, 2018

The 2018 Italian general election is due to be held on 4 March 2018

Getty Images

1 of 13

Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italy party is pro-European, but demands a greater role in the EU for Italy

He stood by his side when the veteran leader, engulfed by sex scandals, was forced to resign as prime minister in 2011 at the height of a sovereign debt crisis.

Berlusconi's coalition is expected to win the most votes in Sunday's election, according to the last opinion polls before the vote, but may fall short of getting a majority.

That would open a period of negotiation between different parties in which President Sergio Mattarella, whose role is usually largely ceremonial.

As he announced his candidacy on Thursday, Tajani said: "Everything that happens next is in the hands of our fellow citizens and the president."

And many other shops and supermarkets including Lidl and Aldi were also shut with Red weather warnings in place across much of Ireland until 6pm this evening.

Tesco will not be reopening its stores until tomorrow in response to the extreme weather.

The company tweeted: “All Tesco stores will remain closed today, Friday 2nd March due to the continued difficult weather conditions across the country.

“We have taken this decision in the interest of the safety of our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Stores will re-open tomorrow Saturday, 3rd March.

GETTYTreacherous road conditions in Dublin

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All Tesco stores will remain closed today, Friday 2nd March due to the continued difficult weather conditions across the country. We have taken this decision in the interest of the safety of our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Stores will re-open tomorrow Saturday, 3rd March

Lidl’s Irish stores also remained shut this morning – although shop bosses were given some leeway to open in areas where ice and snow were less severe.

A spokeswoman explained: A spokeswoman said: “As of 11am on Friday, all our stores across the Republic of Ireland are closed due to the adverse weather conditions.

“In areas where ice and snowfall is less severe, regional management and our store teams will make the decision on reopening this afternoon if it is safe to do so.

“As the weather situation is ever changing, we advise our customers to consult our official Facebook page for updates on stores that will open later today.

“Again, we would like to thank each and every one of our team for the extreme hard work they have put in over the past few days, shipping products from our warehouses and serving thousands of extra customers across the country.

“As always we will continue to actively monitor the situation as it evolves with colleague and customer safety always in mind.”

The company’s Facebook page will keep customers updated, she said.

GETTY

Bare shelves in a branch of Dunnes Stores in Dublin on Tuesday

Aldi was planning to reopen some stores today, with an update due later.

The company tweeted “We are continuing to monitor the ongoing weather situation very closely. We will provide an update early this afternoon on which of our stores will reopen later today and which will remain closed for the day.”

The company wrote on its Facebook page: “Due to the updating of the weather advisory stores in all Dunnes Stores in Northern Ireland will reopen at 1pm on Friday 2 March.

“We will continue to monitor the weather situation and any updates will be posted on Facebook and dunnestores.com

“We sincerely apologise for any confusion caused to customers and staff.”

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]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/storm-emma-tesco-closes-irish-stores-and-cancels-deliveries-as-weather-causes-disruptionhttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/storm-emma-tesco-closes-irish-stores-and-cancels-deliveries-as-weather-causes-disruptionadmin@mail.com(Super Admin)Snow UK accumulation: How much snow has fallen in the UK?

How much snow has fallen in the UK?

The UK gets on average 23.7 days of snow fall or sleet in a year and most of this snow falls on higher ground where temperatures are lower.

The country has experienced its coldest winter since 1991, as strengthening winds caused by Storm Emma have caused blizzards and drifting snow in some parts, bringing roads to a standstill and leaving commuters facing travel disruption.

The Met Office has said the highest level of snow was recorded at Drumalbin, Scotland where 50cm of the white stuff has been recorded, 45cm was measured in Bishopton, outside of Glasgow, 26cm in Wittering, Cambridgeshire and 16cm in Yeovilton, Somerset.

Up to 4inches (10cm) has been recorded in Ireland counties in the east.

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Several inches of snow was reported in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and further north, with lower levels reported in the Midlands.

A red alert has been issued for Ireland and Met Eireann has upgraded its advice to the highest level.

Around 24,000 homes and businesses in Ireland have been left without power, the stock exchange was shut and all schools were closed and transport ground to a halt with all flights cancelled from Dublin airport.

According to latest weather maps, by 12pm on Friday, between one to 5cm will have fallen in the south-east, 35cm in southern Wales, 32cm in south-west England, 13cm in northern Wales and between 1-7cm elsewhere in the country.

WXCharts

Snow UK accumulation: This map shows the amount of snow to accumulate by 11pm on Friday

meteociel.fr

Snow UK accumulation: Snow depth as of 4am and 7pm on Saturday

By midnight on Saturday, accumulations of 40cm will have built up in south-west England, 50cm in southern Wales and between 5-17cm in south-east England.

Weather conditions have worsened after Storm Emma collided with cold air from the ‘Beast from the East’, with the BBC warning of more “dangerous weather conditions are on the cards.”

Met Office meteorologist Steven Keates said: "We are not out of the woods yet.

"There's further snow to come, as well as a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain.

Yellow warnings for snow are still in place for vast swathes of the country for the whole day, while a yellow warning for wind covers the north-east of England and Wales until midday.

Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said: “The snow is now easing within the next 24 hours or so, the main risk areas are probably in the zone between South Wales, Midlands and southern England.

“A further 2-5cm of snow will fall, maybe a little bit more on higher ground but we are not dealing with the amount of snow, we have seen in the last few days.”

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]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/snow-uk-accumulation-how-much-snow-has-fallen-in-the-ukhttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/snow-uk-accumulation-how-much-snow-has-fallen-in-the-ukadmin@mail.com(Super Admin)BBC Weather forecast: ANOTHER belt of snow set to STRIKE the UK within hours

BBC Weather forecast another “really cold” day and outline where in the UK will be hit by more snow throughout Friday and into the weekend.

Thousands of schools have been closed in the UK and the Met Office implemented red weather warnings on Wednesday and Thursday in Scotland and the southeast of England and southern Wales urging people to “take action” in the stormy weather.

BBC weather forecaster Phil Avery said the freezing weather was going to continue gripping Britain and bring more snow to the country.

BBC•WXCHARTSBBC Weather forecast: More snow to hit UK this afternoon and into this evening

He said: “The rest of the day still really cold, windchill I’m afraid still a factor in proceedings. Simply because of the amount of isobars on that chart and we are not out of the weather woods just yet because that low pressure is throwing yet another belt of snow.

“Slowly but surely up and across the southern half of the British isles, through the rest of the afternoon and as you will see, on into the evening as well.

“Further north, away form that particular feature, we still have the cold easterly and southeasterly wind. Still a peppering of snow showers across northern and eastern parts of Scotland and the northeast of England. Wherever you are spending the rest of the day it will feel pretty cold.

“This is the way that we are shaping up with regard to snowfall. Widely we are expecting the possibility of between 1cm-5cm, but over the hills in the west, particularly into the Welsh mountains, we could be looking at yet another 10cm to 15cm.

“Through the evening rush hour and overnight with that belt the weather gradually eases away a little bit further north, tending to fade away as it so does.”

Hundreds of Brits have been stranded overnight on the roads in southwest England and the military were called in to help rescue motorists.

We are not out of the weather woods just yet because that low pressure is throwing yet another belt of snow

BBC weather forecaster Phil Avery

Gusts are expected to hit between 60mph and 70mph and warnings are in place across the East Midlands, North-west England, Wales, The West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber.

BBC weather forecaster Simon King said: “We have got some freezing rain at the moment across southern parts of England and south Wales and that is really quite hazardous freezing rain because it is rain the is falling on frozen surfaces so that it is instantly freezing.

“Treacherous conditions in places actually because of that freezing rain across parts of the south, so really watch out for that.

“In terms of snowfall this morning we have got some snow across mid-Wales, the south Midlands, more in the northeast of England up into the north and the east of Scotland as we have had over the last few days.

Snow forecast TODAY: Latest maps and charts

“Those snow showers will continue to feed in today, still could cause some problems that and then later on we are looking at another band of snow moving into southwest England, Wales, the Midlands, southeast England, pushing its way further north by the evening, into north Wales, parts of Merseyside into parts of Great Manchester and Lincolnshire.

“That is going to give fresh accumulations of snow of about one to five cm of snow, perhaps 10cm over some of the higher ground. That could still cause some issues, but nothing major from that, I suspect.

“A lot of the major disruption has happened already and if you have experienced that really heavy snowfall, up to 50cm in South Wales you are certainly not going anywhere anyway.

“Temperature wise, that is struggling to get above freezing and on a strong easterly wind with gales around the southwest, and the western coast of Wales and across southwest England it’s going to feel bitterly cold once again.”

BBC Weather has warned of more “dangerous weather conditions are on the cards” as the Met Office predicts at least two feet of snow could blanket regions in Britain.

The Met Office has warned people to avoid public transport as delays and cancellations plague networks across the country.

People have also been advised to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary as people became stranded in their cars overnight after being caught in deep snow drifts.

Met Office forecaster Paul Gundersen said: “A spell of heavy snow and blizzard conditions is expected. The snow will be accompanied by very strong easterly winds leading to severe drifting.

“Long delays and cancellations of public transport seem highly likely. “Some roads are likely to become blocked by deep snow, stranding vehicles and passengers. Long interruptions to power supplies and other utilities are very likely to occur, along with damage to trees and other structures due to heavy snow or ice.

“Icy patches are likely on untreated surfaces during Saturday morning.

“As a result, driving conditions may become difficult and there is an increased chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.”

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]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/uk-weather-warning-shock-chart-reveals-barrage-of-snow-a-week-after-storm-emma-hitshttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/uk-weather-warning-shock-chart-reveals-barrage-of-snow-a-week-after-storm-emma-hitsadmin@mail.com(Super Admin)Snow UK: What is a snow drift? How much snow are we getting tonight?

Avon and Somerset Police said there are 20 significant incidents of people stranded in snow drifts across their area.

Snowy drifts are also expected to cause havoc in Scotland over the coming days after days of heavy snow.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Just finished latest @scotgov resilience call. A big issue over next couple of days will be snow drifts, making some local roads impassable.

"@scotgov will work with councils to mitigate impact on communities. Advice to public is to check with local council before travelling."

Related articles

The army has been called out to rescue hundreds of people stuck in their cars on roads as the Beast of the East unleashes another day of heavy snow.

What is a snow drift?

Snow drifts are huge mounds of snow whipped up by the wind.

They can resemble sand dunes and are formed after snow is moved by light wind and then deposited as the wind dies down.

PASnow UK: What is a snow drift?

Snow drifts often form against stationary objects such as houses or road signs.

The Met Office says “dry, powder snow is the easiest type of snow to move around because it doesn’t stick together like wet snow”.

The wind must also be blowing at least 10 mph in order for the snow to move.

Snow drifts have been spotted around the country as Storm Emma ravages the country with freezing blizzards and high winds.

The Met Office said snow depths had reached half a metre in Drumalbin, Lanarkshire and St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales.

NETWEATHER

Snow UK: Where snow is falling now

PA

Snow UK: A snow plough clearing drifts in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside

Around 40cm of snow was measured in Bishopton, Renfrewshire and in Spadeadam in Cumbria.

How much snow are we getting tonight?

Snow showers will continue to blight Britain into this afternoon and night bringing a further risk of snow drifts and icy conditions.

France's President Emmanuel Macron is being kept up to date with events in the Burkina Faso capital after gunmen launched an attack in the centre of the city in the vicinity of the French Embassy, the Elysee Palace said.

The Elysee statement urged French nationals to follow alerts from the embassy.

Burkina Faso, like other countries in West Africa, has been targeted sporadically by jihadist groups operating across Africa's Sahel region.

Suspected jihadists killed at least 18 people last August during a raid on a restaurant in Ouagadougou and militants have targeted be security forces along its remote northern border region with Mali.

Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for an attack on a restaurant and hotel in Ouagadougou in January 2016 in which 30 people were killed.

Five regional countries launched a new taskforce last year to tackle Islamist militants in the zone, to which international donors have committed a half-billion dollars.

The ex-prime minister and leader of Forza Italia was appearing with Matteo Salvini, head of coalition partner Lega, at a press conference.

Describing him as a fellow rebel, the pair

Berlusconi said: "A revolution in this country. And we are different kinds of rebels. There is one that is perhaps more revolutionary. That’s our Matteo (Salvini)."

Berlusconi also hit out at ex-PM Matteo Renzi, who is leader of the Democratic Party, and ruled out a deal with his pro-EU rival.

He said: ”We will be a single force of aggression on left. It takes a revolution and we are revolutionaries. Our programs are incompatible.”

GETTYBerlusconi hailed him and his coalition partner Matteo Salvini as revolutionaries

The pair were in high spirits ahead of the vote with Berlusconi 81, wiping Salvini’s forehead and saying “you sweat too much”.

Berlusconi has served as Italy's prime minister four times but is barred from holding public office until 2019 because of a 2013 tax fraud conviction.

He also said the European Parliament President Antonio Tajani would be his choice to head any future government, a moderate figure who would reassure EU capitals alarmed by the anti-European rhetoric coming from Berlusconi's allies.

Berlusconi said: ”I know it's a shame to take Antonio Tajani away from Europe, but it's in the best interest of Italy.”

SG

The pair were in high spirits at the press conference yesterday

Pollsters predict a hung parliament, with former prime minister Berlusconi's alliance of centre-right groups emerging as the largest bloc, while 5-Star looks certain to be the biggest single party.

The ruling centre-left Democratic Party (PD) is paying the price of an anaemic economic recovery following the worst recession since World War Two and could end up in third place.

The Met office has issued a yellow snow and ice weather warning for Friday 2 March in the UK.

Snow storm Emma is currently battering Britain with strong winds and snow causing more chaos for motorists and commuters.

Snow showers are expected to continue across Scotland and the North of England this afternoon.

More snow is predicted to fall in London with patchy freezing rain expected in the south.

The Met Office said: “There is also and increasing chance that a further spell of more persistent snow may move northwards across southern England, Wales and central England during the day, reaching northern England by evening.”

This Gallery shows live weather forecast maps which detail where the snow is expected to hit the UK on Friday and over the weekend.

See weather charts offering a winter overview that reveals predictions for temperature, average precipitation and snow depth.

]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/snow-forecast-today-latest-maps-and-charts-showing-snow-storm-to-hit-in-six-hourshttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/snow-forecast-today-latest-maps-and-charts-showing-snow-storm-to-hit-in-six-hoursadmin@mail.com(Super Admin)UK weather warning: GET HOME NOW or you'll never home at all commuters warned

Southern Rail, which moves tens of thousands of commuters into and out of London every day stressed that people HAD be home by 3pm – as worsening weather conditions would put the rail service under massive pressure.

“While a good service is currently running on most routes, the weather is expected to deteriorate this afternoon and we may be prevented from running services on some routes.”

In the South West, where five trains were stranded overnight on the route between London and Weymouth, bosses also warned travellers to get home now or preferably not travel at all. South West Rail are CANCELLING ALL TRAINS from 8pm tonight.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "We are asking people not to travel across the South Western Railway network today unless absolutely essential. Services across the route will also be stopping early this evening.

SRSnow joke: Rail workers at Brighton clear the snow

Southern Rail

Snow warning: Get home by 3pm or risk not getting home at all

"We'd like to apologise to passengers trapped on trains overnight on the South Western Railway network due to extreme weather.

"All passengers were removed from trains earlier this morning, but the ongoing extreme weather meant emergency services were not able to evacuate people sooner.”

A spokesman for South Western Railway added: "The forecast this afternoon is for further severe snow and high winds.

"We are urging you not to attempt to travel. If you have already travelled, please return as early as possible.

"Our service will be closing down early today. We will confirm what time trains will stop running on our network as soon as we can."

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South Western Railway said multiple incidents were affecting its services, warning that trains may be cancelled or severely delayed, with disruption expected until the end of the day.

Nearly all train operators across the UK are experiencing disruption today, with no services to Scotland on Virgin Trains.

The whole of Britain was braced for another snow deluge today driven by hurricane-force winds as Storm Emma rips through the country.

Weather charts were threatening a DOUBLE-STRENGTH storm monster with a snow storm in the south west joining forces with another pressure system.

Gusts of more than 80mph will be whipped up around the churning union putting most of Britain in the firing line for gales and heavy snow.

S.Rail

Whiteout wipe-out: Rail workers clear snow - but more on way and services threatened

SWR

CANCELLED: All South West trains stop running at 8pm

The Met Office has issued further severe weather warnings for wind and snow today bringing to an end a week of winter hell.

A warning for winds of between 60mph and 70mph is in place across the East Midlands; North-west England; Wales; The West Midlands; Yorkshire and the Humber.

Another warning for snow and ice has been issued across Scotland; north-east England; northwest England; Yorkshire and the Humber this morning.

And the BBC were already reporting 'significant flooding' in Cornwall, saying fire crews from Penzance were assisting with floods in Porthallow, Cornwall.

Penzance Fire Station said the flooding was caused by "high river levels, large seas and high winds".

GETTYUS President Donald Trump has imposed tough tariffs on steel and aluminium

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has warned retaliation was inevitable, with the bloc also faced with the task of calculating what the knock-on effect on the global steel industry will be.

Mr Trump’s announcement means additional tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium will be levied on all imports to the United States – meaning big producers such as South Korea, Japan, China and Brazil will be looking for new European markets.

Mr Juncker said: “The Commission will bring forward in the next few days a proposal for World Trade Organisation-compatible countermeasures against the US to rebalance the situation.

“The EU has been a close security ally of the US for decades. We will not sit idly while our industry is hit with unfair measures that put thousands of European jobs at risk.

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GETTY

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says retaliation is "inevitable"

“I had the occasion to say that the EU would react adequately and that’s what we will do.”

The EU is likely to hit back by imposing import restrictions on such famous US brands as whiskey from Kentucky, Florida orange juice and Harley-Davison motorcycles.

European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström stressed that the EU was preparing to act to protect its internal markets.

She explained: “The Commission will monitor market developments and if necessary will propose WTO-compatible safeguard action to preserve the stability of the EU market.”

GETTY

The EU fears the tariffs will have impact steelworkers in the bloc

The World Trade Organisation permits such protective measures in cases of sudden surges, such as steel flows being diverted from the US market.

Prior to Mr Trump’s decision being confirmed yesterday, France, Germany, Italy and Spain met on Tuesday to agree to impose safeguard measures should the US impose tariffs on Asian steel.

Germany’s state secretary at the ministry for the economy, Matthias Machnig, said. “Absolutely, we have to talk about safeguard measures as well.

“And we had a discussion this morning together with Italy, France and Spain and Germany, and we totally agree on these issues.”

Speaking hours before Washington’s announcement, European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen said the trade war would not be “only a problem between Europe and the United States because it has an impact to steel production, the steel market elsewhere too.”

He added: “We can end up easily in a situation where we are in a trade war with the two fronts. And only because of one decision made by the President of the United States.”

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has claimed safeguard measures could actually boost developed markets, arguing that by shutting out imports, producers in every country would have to focus on supplying their home market. The ultimate victim should be China, which would start to choke on its massive overcapacity.

He added: “If other countries adopt something similar to what we are doing, then you have in hand a solution to the global problem.Thus far, no one has stepped into a leadership role … In essence, these recommendations are that the U.S. step into that leadership role and encourage other countries to adopt similar measures.”

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]]>http://stirchleynews.co.uk/retaliation-is-inevitable-juncker-threatens-us-after-trump-orders-steel-tariffshttp://stirchleynews.co.uk/retaliation-is-inevitable-juncker-threatens-us-after-trump-orders-steel-tariffsadmin@mail.com(Super Admin)European Parliament President Tajani set to be Italy prime minster after Berlusconi invite

Mr Tajani announced yesterday he would stand as Forza Italia’s prime ministerial candidate in the March 4 vote - putting him in pole position for the post.

In an attempt to sway voters on election day, Mr Fontana emphasised that immigration is “not under control” as he issued promises to get rid of immigrants.

He stated: “People here are worried about the current immigration situation.

"It is currently not under control and it’s creating social tension.

“It’s clearly unthinkable we could send hundreds of thousands back home instantly.

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"But we have to get started and do everything we can to repatriate people.”

Roberto Di Stefano, the newly elected mayor of the city of Sesto San Giovanni, near Milan, is already displaying the intentions of Mr Berlusconi by imposing a distinctly new hard line on immigrants.

Mr Di Stefano has been responsible for the deportation of 208 illegal immigrants with many sent away with deportation orders.

He told BBC Newsnight that new technology is ensuring the possibility of immigrants trying to come back is kept to a minimum.

Italian election 2018: The political parties and coalitions in the race

Wed, February 28, 2018

The 2018 Italian general election is due to be held on 4 March 2018

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Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italy party is pro-European, but demands a greater role in the EU for Italy

He stated: “If they come back, we’re waiting for them.

"We check hundreds of people every day and we’ve got plenty of ways of keeping them under surveillance.

“We have new technology and CCTV cameras which allows us to monitor entrances and exits in the city.”

Meanwhile, former Italian integration minister and current member of the ruling Democratic Party (PD), Cecile Kyenge, declared that she is a “victim” of the campaign by both Berlusconi and Fontana.

She accused both of them for “investing in racism” as she cried out for a change in rhetoric ahead of the vote.

Ms Kyenge told BBC Newsnight: “I’m a victim of the campaign from this political party, they are working and investing in fewer people and I think that today, our country must take measures and sanctions to all political leaders and political parties who are investing in racism.”

The 81-year-old Silvio Berlusconi is the founder of liberal Forza Italia (Go Italy) party and the leader of centre-right wing coalition, composed of right-wing parties Matteo Salvini’s Lega and Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers Of Italy.

Getty

Mr Fontana emphasised that immigration is 'not under control'

BBC

Cecile Kyenge declared that she is a 'victim' of the campaign by both Berlusconi and Fontana

The former prime minister has fought through sex scandals, corruption allegations and a tax fraud conviction to stage a political comeback.

The latest projections show his coalition is leading with 36 per cent of the vote, bringing Mr Berlusconi closer to win his seventh electoral campaign.